Success is one of those concepts everyone seems to have an opinion about. We are surrounded by definitions of success: career achievements, wealth, or even the number of ‘likes’ or views on social media. Maybe you’ve set an intention to ‘be more successful’ in this new year. But have you ever paused to ask yourself: what does success mean to me?

In academia, this question is especially crucial. The academic world often presents a narrow view of success: high-impact publications, prestigious grants, or climbing the career ladder in record time. More than once during my career, I’ve heard someone say ‘you need to publish more than xx papers per year to be successful’ or ‘you won’t be successful if you don’t secure a big grant’. But these milestones, even though worth celebrating, may not align with everyone’s personal vision of success. The definition of success is not universal: it’s a subjective concept. It’s shaped by our values, experiences, and aspirations. No one can – or should – dictate what success looks like for you.

This is why I often pose this question to early-career scientists in my workshops:

‘What is your definition of success?’

A personal definition

For me, success revolves around three key pillars: meaningful work, balance, and personal growth. Meaningful work means contributing to projects that align with my values and make a tangible impact, whether that’s mentoring the next generation of scientists or demystifying academia through NextMinds. Balance is about living a rich life outside my professional identity, investing in my health and nurturing relationships. Personal growth fuels my journey: learning new skills, embracing challenges, and evolving as an individual.

This definition didn’t emerge overnight. It has taken years of reflection and refinement – and it continues to develop. Life changes, and so do we. The goals that motivated me during my PhD are no longer the same today. As a PhD student, I was mostly focused on this definition of academic success: working hard to publish papers and advance my research field. Today, I prioritize alignment with my own values and care more about the impact of my work.

A moving target

Success is not a fixed destination; it’s a journey. Early in your career, it might mean publishing your first paper or landing a competitive fellowship. Later, it might shift toward building a collaborative team or finding stability in a non-academic career. It’s important to recognize that these shifts in your definition of success are part of the process and necessary to achieve fulfilling work. As we grow and change, our definition of success should grow with us.

This fluidity is empowering, but it also means you have to be intentional. If you don’t define success for yourself, someone else will – whether that’s a supervisor, societal expectations, or the academic system itself. Many times, I’ve heard the advice that I should state I want to become a Professor during interviews for academic positions – advice I never followed, as this was and is not part of my own definition of success.

Finding your own definition

How should you define success for yourself? Start by reflecting on what truly matters to you. Think beyond your PhD project or immediate career goals. What kind of life do you want to lead? What do you value most – freedom, recognition, stability, or creativity?

Next, consider the bigger picture. How does your PhD – or your current role – fit into this vision? If you can connect the dots between your daily work and your larger goals, it’s easier to stay motivated and feel fulfilled, even during challenging times.

Finally, accept that your definition of success will change. Periodically reassess your goals and values to ensure you’re still on the right path. This kind of self-awareness is a powerful tool for staying resilient and focused, regardless of external pressures.

Success on your own terms

The beauty of defining success for yourself is that it’s yours. It’s deeply personal and unique to your circumstances. For some, it might mean becoming a tenured professor. For others, it could be building a fulfilling career outside academia, starting a family, or simply living with joy and purpose.

As you progress through your career, I encourage you to keep asking yourself what success looks like for you – and to give yourself permission to pursue it unapologetically. The journey is yours to define.